Kelly Hints At Changes But Expects To Take The Game To Middlesbrough

11 August 2015

Manager Darren Kelly has hinted at changes ahead of tomorrow’s Capital One Cup clash with Middlesbrough but will be going all out to win the game and claim a place in the second round.

Kelly, who kicked off his managerial career with a draw away to Walsall on Saturday, believes his side have what it takes to surprise the Championship outfit and come away with a spot in the next round of the competition.

He said: "They are a fantastic team. I saw them a lot last season and I know a few of their players and I know what they are about. Even if they make changes they will still be strong but it is more important that we go out and conduct ourselves the way we can and show them what we are about.

"There will be a couple of changes. We have a strong, fully fit squad so we can make a few changes. We want to go out and win the game, there is no doubt about that.

“Seven years is a long time since the club has progressed into the next round of the competition and I want to change that. The pleasurable thing is we have a fully fit squad to pick from.”

One player who could appear for Latics tomorrow is Middlesbrough loanee Jonathan Burn who has been given permission to play against his parent club.

The 20-year-old made his debut for the club on Saturday and impressed on his first Football League appearance but the manager is cautious about his involvement.

“It is a difficult one,” admitted Kelly. “Jonny has had a tough pre-season and played a lot of games.

"He only played 20 odd games last season in the under 21 league so he might not be used to the midweek games and we have a lot of games coming up so it’s important we look after him.

"He had an excellent game on Saturday baring in mind he came in at the start of the week and he’s blended in well. He’s come from a fantastic place with the right education and I never had a doubt about putting him in straight away because I know what he’s capable of. He’s going to have a good future in the game.

“He’s big, he’s strong and he’s got good quality, all the great attributes to be a good defender."

After the 991 Oldham Athletic supporters gave the gaffer goosebumps on Saturday, he is now calling on them to become the 12th man and help make SportsDirect.com Park a fortress.

“It was great support and we need that tomorrow night,” he said. “I don’t think people understand the impact that can have on the opposition and hopefully they get right behind the team like they did on Saturday.

“At the end of the game, hopefully we are in the next round of the Capital One Cup.”